Finger protecting sleeve

ABSTRACT

A finger sleeve is disclosed. The finger sleeve includes a tubular element configured to fit on a portion of a proximal phalange of a user&#39;s finger. The tubular element defines a length such that a second end of the finger sleeve does not extend over a fingernail of the user&#39;s finger. A front section of the tubular element is configured to be positioned over a palm-ward facing portion of the user&#39;s finger. A flap is attached at a first end of the finger sleeve. The flap covers at least a portion of a distal part of the user&#39;s palm and spans from a first end of the tubular element to a second end of the tubular element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of hand protection, and more specifically, to wearable finger protection devices for lifting and gripping items.

BACKGROUND

Among all of the accessories which are prominent in the weightlifting community, gloves are probably among the most popular. In most cases, weightlifting gloves are used by recreational lifters, functional fitness athletes, bodybuilders, and calisthenic athletes. Weightlifting gloves provide a variety of benefits including comfort, support and assisting in the lifting process. One of the biggest benefits of wearing weightlifting gloves is hand and finger protection. The padding in weightlifting gloves protect the hands from getting callouses, which can cause blisters and rough palms. Additionally, weightlifting gloves improve a user's ability to grip weights. During an intense workout, hands can become sweaty and slip. Weightlifting gloves give a user better gripping ability by absorbing sweat.

While weightlifting gloves offer a wide array of useful features, they are also plagued with several drawbacks. For example, weightlifting gloves are bulky and typically lack sufficient cushion to protect a user's hands and fingers from calluses and blisters. Moreover, weightlifting gloves, such as full-fingered gloves, cover the entire surface area of a user's palm and fingers. This full coverage means that no part of a user's hand is exposed and as a result, tends to increase the amount of heat that is forced upon a user's hands during a workout. Heat causes the body to tire easily, and the sweat built up inside the gloves can become distracting, uncomfortable, and even cause skin rashes.

Another adverse effect of overheated hands and sweat build up is that the weightlifting gloves become extremely difficult to remove or put them back on. Furthermore, weightlifting gloves are prone to stretching over time, causing the fit to become less snug. As a result, the gripping ability of the weightlifting gloves significantly decreases. Another vulnerability is that the zipper or strap for securing the weightlifting gloves frequently breaks, particularly when a user's hands swell up from becoming overheated.

Another issue with weightlifting gloves is that sometimes a user is not able to “feel” the weight that in the user's hand. Additionally, many weightlifters and people that use gloves while performing physical activity see not wearing gloves as a badge of honor. However, not wearing gloves have many drawbacks, as mentioned above, including callouses, rough hands and inability to bars and other weights because of slippage.

Therefore, a need exists to improve over the prior art and more particularly, for a hand protection device designed to specifically address the many disadvantages and pitfalls faced with gloves.

SUMMARY

A finger protecting sleeve is disclosed. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description including the drawings provided. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

In one embodiment, a finger sleeve is disclosed. The finger sleeve includes a tubular element configured to fit on a portion of a proximal phalange of a user's finger. The tubular element defines a length such that a second end of the finger sleeve does not extend over a fingernail of the user's finger. A front section of the tubular element is configured to be positioned over a palm-ward facing portion of the user's finger. A flap is attached at a first end of the finger sleeve. The flap covers at least a portion of a distal part of the user's palm and spans from a first end of the tubular element to a second end of the tubular element.

Additional aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a finger sleeve fitted on a user's finger, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a finger sleeve, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a user utilizing a finger sleeve while holding a weightlifting bar, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting reordering or adding additional stages or components to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

The present invention improves upon the prior art by providing a finger protection device. The present invention improves upon the prior art by providing a finger sleeve configured to fit on a portion of a user's finger to provide maximum comfort and prevent blistering and callus formation. Additionally, to decrease the amount of heat that is forced upon a user's hands, the finger sleeve is configured to only cover the parts of a user's hand that require protection. The present invention also improves upon the prior art by including a flap attached at a first end of the tubular element that is configured to reduce the amount of contact between the user and a weightlifting bar. The flap is comprised of material having cushioning properties to provide maximum comfort and prevent blistering and callus formation. Additionally, the present invention provides users with anti-slippage surface that allows the user to lift an increased amount of weight. In certain embodiments, the sleeve may also include at least one cushioning element either embedded within the anti-slippage surface or that is provided by the anti-slippage surface.

Referring now to the Figures. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a finger sleeve 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention and will be discussed together for ease of reference. The finger sleeve 1X) comprises a tubular element configured to fit on a portion of a user's finger 105. The tubular element consists of a hollow tubular shaped body having a first end 110 and a second end 115. The first end of the tubular element has a first opening 111 that is configured to receive one finger, such as an index finger, of the user's hand. The second end of the tubular element has a second opening 116. The first and second openings allow the user's finger to pass though the sleeve so that the tubular element may be worn by a user.

In operation, the user's finger is inserted (in the direction of arrowed line A) into the first opening on the first end of the tubular element and through the second opening 116 on the second end of the tubular element. The tubular element 100 defines a length such that the second end of the finger sleeve does not extend over a fingernail of the user's finger 105. In the present embodiment, the finger sleeve is sized such that the tubular shaped element only extends to up to about a user's knuckle. However, it should be understood that the tubular shaped element may be configured to extend up to but not over the user's fingernail.

In the present embodiment, the finger sleeve is fitted on the middle finger of the user's left hand 154. Although the example given herein describes the finger sleeve relative to the user's middle finger, it is to be understood that the invention may be adapted to fit any finger, of any hand. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the tubular element can have other shapes and dimensions to accommodate men, women, and children of all sizes, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

The tubular element further comprises a front section 120 that is configured to be positioned over a palm-ward facing portion 121 of the user's finger so that when the user flexes his or her finger to grip an item, the front section abuts the item.

The front section 120 spans from the first end 110 of the tubular element to the second end 115 of the tubular element and defines a width of about a width of the user's finger. The front section 120 is comprised of material having gripping properties, such as leather, rubber, vinyl, or combinations and equivalents thereof, for providing a secure grip on the handles of a fitness or body conditioning apparatus. In the present embodiment, the front section 120 is comprised of silicone due to its rubber-like material, particularly to enhance grip and to provide friction or anti-slippage properties. It should be appreciated that the silicone may take additional forms, textures, ridges, and dimensions, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. The anti-slippage properties are important so that the user may grip items more easily.

The front section 120 may be also comprised of material having cushioning properties to provide maximum comfort and prevent blistering and callus formation. Cushioning properties may be obtained from materials that deflect or deform under load, such as foam, gel, silicone, rubber, or combinations and equivalents thereof. In the present embodiment, a plurality of cushioning pads 125 (three are shown) having a substantially convex shape are embedded on the surface of the front section of the tubular element. Each of the cushioning pads are sized and positioned in a spaced apart relationship to cooperate together in order to provide support and comfort to multiple regions of the user's hand simultaneously when the user grips items.

In other embodiments, the front section may be comprised of material having those gripping and cushioning type properties. However, it is understood that other embodiments may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In operation, when a user grips or holds an item such that the finger is in a flex position, pressure is applied to the front section of the tubular sleeve, and the cushioning pads compress vertically, causing them to expand horizontally. The spacing between the cushioning pads provides space for each cushioning pad to expand horizontally, allowing for additional compression and cushioning without resistance or pressure increases. It should be appreciated that the thickness, shape, location, and quantity of the cushioning pads may be varied to accommodate individual preferences, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. In the present embodiment, four cushioning pads are illustrated on the front section of the tubular shaped element. However, it is understood that other additional cushioning pads may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The tubular element further comprises a second section 130 connected to the front section 120. The second section spans from a first end 110 of the tubular element to a second end 115 of the tubular element. The trim or rim 170 may also be included at the second end of the tubular shaped element. The trim or rim may also be used to connect the front section, second section, and third section together. The trim or rim may also comprise flexible material that allows the user to flex his or her digit. The second section 130 is comprised of material having elastic properties, such as Lycra, polyester, nylon, or combinations and equivalents thereof, such that the tubular element fits snugly around the user's finger. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second section is comprised of open-weave mesh, and in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second section is comprised of spandex. The second section 130 is also comprised of material having breathable properties to decrease the amount of heat that is forced upon the user's hands in a much greater amount than the existing prior art. Breathable properties may be obtained from materials that facilitate the absorption of moisture from the body, such as bamboo fabric, polyester, cotton, or combinations and equivalents thereof. It should be appreciated that the second section may take additional forms, textures, ridges, and dimensions to accommodate different users and conditions, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, the second section may also comprise materials that are able to withstand a certain amount of force so that in operation, is maintained by the user's finger.

An important aspect of the present invention includes the utilization of a third section 135 connecting the front section 120 and the second section 130 at the second end 115 of the finger sleeve. The third section 135 is comprised of material having elastic properties, such as Lycra, polyester, nylon, or combinations and equivalents thereof, to allow the front section to move relative to the section. In other words, the third section is configured to stretch and adapt to the changing shape of the user's finger, in response to the user gripping a weightlifting bar or other type of object. As a result, the third section enables the user's finger to have full range of motion when gripping a weightlifting bar. It should be appreciated that the third section may take additional forms, textures, ridges, and dimensions to accommodate different users and conditions, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

Another important aspect is that the finger sleeve further includes a flap 140 attached at the first end 110 of the tubular element. The flap is configured to reduce the amount of contact between the user and a weightlifting bar. The flap extends from the first end 110 of the front section 120 and defines a width of about a width of the user's finger, such that the flap 140 covers at least a finger joint 141 of the user's finger 105 and at least a portion of a distal part 146 of the user's palm 145. However, in other embodiments, the flap may also be larger or smaller in area. Moreover, one of the important features of the flap is that it covers the area of the palm just below or anywhere from the finger joint that is highly prone to callusing caused by lifting objects, weightlifting, exercising, and other types of exercises where the user is applying a great amount of force to gripping an object. It is understood that the present invention may also be used for various facets of sporting activities, such as baseball, golf, hockey, and other types of activities where the user is required to grip or hold an object within the user's hand.

The flap may be comprised of material having cushioning properties to provide maximum comfort and prevent blistering and callus formation. As discussed, cushioning properties may be obtained from materials that deflect or deform under load, such as foam, gel, silicone, rubber, or combinations and equivalents thereof. As explained above, similar to the front section, the flap may comprise material that has both gripping and cushioning type properties. However, it is understood that other types of configurations and materials may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, a cushioning pad 142 having a substantially convex shape is embedded on the surface of the flap. In operation, as pressure is applied to the flap, the cushioning pad compresses vertically, causing it to expand horizontally to allow additional compression and cushioning without resistance or pressure increases. It should be appreciated that the thickness, shape, location, and quantity of the cushioning pad on the flap may be varied to accommodate individual preferences, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a user utilizing the finger sleeve while holding a weightlifting bar 150, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the finger sleeve 100 is fitted on the ring finger 155 of the user's right hand 152. As explained above, the present invention may be sized and shaped to fit any of the digits of a user's hand. For example, the finger sleeve that is on a user's hand on the ring finger may have a shorter length than the finger sleeve configured to fit on a user's middle finger. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the present invention is configured such that it does not fit over a user's fingernail. As mentioned above, the present invention assists by having the least amount of material so that a user does not feel constricted when wearing the item, while providing a maximum amount of gripping and cushioning properties so that a user may grip an object properly while preventing a user from damaging or callusing their hand. In operation, as the user prepares to lift the weightlifting bar, the front section 120 is positioned over the palm-ward facing portion 121 of the user's finger and the flap is pressed against the weightlifting bar such that the flap 140 covers at least a finger joint 141 of the user's finger 105 and at least a portion of a distal part 146 of the user's palm 145. As the user's finger 155 curls (in the direction of arrowed line B) around the weightlifting bar, the third section stretches and adapts to the changing shape of the user's finger, in response to the user gripping the weightlifting bar. As pressure is applied to the front section of the tubular sleeve, the cushioning pads compress vertically, causing them to expand horizontally. Additionally, it is also understood as explained above, that the user may use multiple sleeves on their fingers for preventing calluses on multiple digits on their hands and fingers.

In another embodiment (not shown), a hand protection device is disclosed. The hand protection device includes a sleeve configured to fit on a portion of a proximal phalange of a user's finger. The sleeve consists of a hollow cylindrical shaped body having a first end and a second end. The first end of the sleeve has a first opening that is configured to receive one finger, such as an index finger, of the user's hand. The second end of the sleeve has a second opening through which the user's finger outwardly projects. The sleeve defines a length such that the second end of the hand protection device does not extend over at least a bottom end of a fingernail of the user's finger. It should be appreciated that the sleeve can have other shapes and dimensions to accommodate men, women, and children of all sizes, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. The sleeve further includes a front section that is configured to be positioned over a palm-ward facing portion of the user's finger. The front section is comprised of material having gripping properties, such as leather, rubber, vinyl, or combinations and equivalents thereof, for providing a secure grip on a weightlifting bar. Additionally, a flap is attached at a first end of the sleeve. The flap covers at least a finger joint of the user's finger and is configured to reduce the amount of contact between the user and a weightlifting bar.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 

We claim:
 1. A finger sleeve comprising: a tubular element configured to fit on a portion of a user's finger: a front section of the tubular element configured to be positioned over a palm-ward facing portion of the user's finger; and, a flap attached at a first end of the finger sleeve, wherein the flap covers at least a finger joint of the user's finger.
 2. The finger sleeve of claim 1, wherein the tubular element defines a length such that a second end of the finger sleeve does not extend over a fingernail of the user's finger.
 3. The finger sleeve of claim 1, wherein the flap is configured to cover at least a portion of a distal part of the user's palm.
 4. The finger sleeve of claim 1, wherein the front section of the tubular element defines a width of about a width of the user's finger.
 5. The finger sleeve of claim 1, wherein the front section spans from a first end of the tubular element to a second end of the tubular element.
 6. The finger sleeve of claim 1, wherein the front section comprises material having gripping properties.
 7. The finger sleeve of claim 1, wherein the front section comprises silicone.
 8. The finger sleeve of claim 1, wherein the tubular element comprises a second section connected to the front section, wherein the second section has elastic properties such that the tubular element fits snugly around the user's finger.
 9. The finger sleeve of claim 8, wherein the second section comprises material having breathable properties.
 10. The finger sleeve of claim 1, wherein the front section and flap comprise material having cushioning properties.
 11. The finger sleeve of claim 1, wherein the finger sleeve comprises a third section, the third section connecting the front section and second section at the second end of the finger sleeve, and wherein the third section having elastic properties to allow the front section to move relative to the section.
 12. A finger sleeve comprising: a tubular element configured to fit on a portion of a proximal phalange of a user's finger, wherein the tubular element defines a length such that a second end of the finger sleeve does not extend over a fingernail of the user's finger; a front section of the tubular element configured to be positioned over a palm-ward facing portion of the user's finger; and, a flap attached at a first end of the finger sleeve, wherein the flap covers at least a portion of a distal part of the user's palm and spans from a first end of the tubular element to a second end of the tubular element.
 13. The finger sleeve of claim 12, wherein the front section of the tubular element defines a width of about a width of the user's finger.
 14. The finger sleeve of claim 14, wherein the front section comprises material having gripping properties.
 15. The finger sleeve of claim 12, wherein the front section comprises silicone.
 16. The finger sleeve of claim 12, wherein the tubular element comprises a second section connected to the front section, wherein the second section has elastic properties such that the tubular element fits snugly around the user's finger.
 17. The finger sleeve of claim 1, wherein the front section and flap comprise material having cushioning properties.
 18. The finger sleeve of claim 12, wherein the finger sleeve comprises a third section, the third section connecting the front section and second section at the second end of the finger sleeve, and wherein the third section having elastic properties to allow the front section to move relative to the section.
 19. A hand protection device comprising: a sleeve configured to fit on a portion of a proximal phalange of a user's finger and wherein the sleeve defines a length such that a second end of the hand protection device does not extend over at least a bottom end of fingernail of the user's finger: a front section of the sleeve configured to be positioned over a palm-ward facing portion of the user's finger; and, a flap attached at a first end of the finger sleeve, wherein the flap covers at least a finger joint of a user's finger. 